Sea Pines Forest Preserve

3 Best Day Trips from Charleston, South Carolina | Condé Nast Traveler

"Hilton Head usually brings to mind the beach , and for good reason—but this area of lush, dense greenery bucks that reputation a bit. The reserve's 650 square acres are a veritable playground for nature lovers, part maritime forest, sand ridge, scenic wetlands, and natural ponds. There’s also a 4,000-year-old history to the area: Check out the Shell Pines Sea Ring, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a pretty spectacular archaeological site made up of thousands of oyster, clam, and mussel shells. It’s thought that the site was a religious or social gathering place for the Native American tribes who inhabited the region. Consider the whole natural experience a vacation from your spa- and golf course-laden vacation." - Paul Oswell